Saugus natives survive Glacier National Park wildfire

Monday

Saugus natives Charlie Bilton and Justin Bilton drove through a raging wildfire after flames closed in on them while hiking in Montana's Glacier National Park.

A video (above) shot from inside the Biltons’ rental car on Aug. 12 shows bright orange flames licking up against the vehicle as the father-and-son tried to escape on a dirt road.

“Dad, the car is heating up, it’s going to explode,” Justin said with panic in his voice while navigating along a dirt road that was surrounded by the remnants of charred and burning trees.

“Easy, we’re alright,” Charlie responded.

Throughout the video, which has been viewed more than 200,000 times since being posted on YouTube Sunday, Charlie offers words of reassurance to his son. He encouraged him to keep driving and to take it slow when the thick smoke enveloped the car and made it difficult to see.

“Dad, what if a tree falls on us?” Justin said. “Please God help us.”

Moments later the Biltons’ escape route was blocked by a tree that had fallen across the road.

“Dad, we’ve got to get out of here,” Justin said.

According to media reports, Justin drove the car in reverse back the way they came and they were able to get past the fire. They eventually spotted a boat on a lake and were rescued by two people from the rapidly approaching fire.

The Biltons have returned to Massachusetts.

The National Park Service reported that lightning ignited the Howe Ridge fire on Aug. 11 in Glacier National Park.